Novel Eucommia ulmoides Gum-based Damping Materials for Multicomponent Latex Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

Abstract

This work describes a series of novel Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG)-based damping materials with excellent damping properties by using the interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) method for the first time; this is an innovative application of EUG. The novel core-shell structure of an EUG-based multicomponent latex interpenetrating polymer network (LIPN) can be controlled by selecting a suitable initiator system, emulsification method, and polymeric sequence and by regulating the miscibility among the components. The damping properties and morphology of multicomponent LIPNs were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) in order to reveal the relationship between structure and performance. The results show that some LIPNs that use EUG as the seed in the multicomponent core-shell structure have a high damping factor (tanδ) at a broader temperature range. For example, the EUG/PS/PBA LIPN (1/1/1 by weight) possesses excellent damping properties; its temperature range for tanδ>0.3 extends to almost 130°C. EUG-based LIPNs, particularly the trinary EUG-based LIPNs are novel damping materials with good potential for development.